Supplemental Instruction

WHAT IS AN SI PROGRAM?

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic assistance program that utilizes peer-assisted study sessions and was introduced on the Brazosport College campus in the Spring semester of 2009. SI sessions are 3-4 weekly informal review sessions in which students compare notes, develop organizational tools, assemble essay questions, and predict test items. Reviews are usually done in a fun, relaxed environment with lots of games, informal quizzes with teacher and class specific take-home hand-outs that give students an idea of exactly how much they have retained andwhatthey still need to focus on and that which they still don’t know! Students learn how to integrate course content and study skills while working together. The sessions are facilitated by “SI Leaders”, students who have previously done well in the course and who attend both weekly class lectures alongside the current students, take notes, act as model students, and counsel with instructors weekly on what to target in the SI Sessions.

The SI Program is used in over 1900 universities and colleges world-wide to enhance the learning experience for their students, and has been in existence for 40+ years. Brazosport College is involved with a network of SI Leaders across the globe; these SI enthusiasts offer advice, literature, and tips to Brazosport College’s dedicated SI Leaders. All of this help is available to the student free of charge!

WHY?

1. To increaseretentionwithin targeted high-risk courses
2. To improve student'sgradesin targeted high-risk courses
3. To increase the graduation rates of students

SI is a“free service”offered to all students in a targeted course and is voluntary for students. SI is a non-remedial approach to learning as the program targets historicallyhigh-risk coursesrather than high-risk students. The schedules for SI Sessions for your class will be handed out on the first day in those classes that participate. We offer separate SI sessions for both lecture and lab courses.

COURSES SUPPORTED:

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Microbiology
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• EMT
• PTAC

Participants in the SI Program have statistically proven on the average to receive semester grades½ to 1 whole letter gradeabovenon-participants.

WHAT IS AN SILEADER?

SI Leaders are students who have taken the class before and earned a high grade. Faculty and current SI Leaders typically recommend students for application. SI Leaders attend the same class as students, taking notes and listening closely to the professor. The SI Coordinating team trains them in how to be effective facilitators and they receive ongoing supervision and training. The SI Department is always looking for SI Leaders for the next semester - come by HS-224, ask for the SI Coordinator, Jenni Jones. You can also call the SI Department at 979-230-3433.